Petrus
Petrus

Petrus

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Petrus is the most iconic wine of the Pomerol appellation, on the right bank of Bordeaux, and one of the absolute references among great French wines. Produced from a small vineyard located on the clay plateau of Pomerol, the estate stands out through the uniqueness of its clay-ferruginous terroir and an exceptional interpretation of Merlot, the almost exclusive grape variety in the blend.

In the absence of an official classification in Pomerol, Petrus has built its reputation solely on the consistency of its quality, the depth of its wines and their remarkable ageing capacity.

Among the iconic vintages, we find Petrus 1961, Petrus 1982, Petrus 1989, Petrus 1990, Petrus 2000, Petrus 2005, Petrus 2009, Petrus 2010, Petrus 2011, Petrus 2016, Petrus 2017, Petrus 2018

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Vineyards of the Pomerol appellation

Pomerol Appellation
The highest rated wines from Bordeaux

The highest rated wines from Bordeaux
Petrus, our blog article

Petrus, our blog article

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History and identity of Petrus

Petrus took shape at the end of the 19th century on the Pomerol plateau, without the aristocratic aura of the great Médoc châteaux but with a quality ambition already asserted. Long considered a confidential wine, Petrus gradually gained international recognition during the 20th century, carried by the consistency of its style and the singularity of its terroir.

Two major events contributed decisively to the worldwide renown of Petrus, under the impetus of Marie-Louise Loubat, a central figure in the estate's history. In 1947, on the occasion of the engagement of Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten, she sent a case of Petrus to the future Queen. Won over by this wine, the Princess chose Petrus to be served at her wedding dinner a few months later. The event left a lasting impression and helped make Petrus known far beyond French borders. A few years later, the discovery of Petrus by the Kennedy family, who proclaimed it their favourite wine, completed the anchoring of this wine among the great names on an international scale.

The modern identity of Petrus was durably structured in the mid-20th century around rigorous management and a clear vision of the vineyard's potential. The estate made the deliberate choice to produce a unique wine, without a second wine or diversification, a rare singularity in Bordeaux that reinforces the coherence, requirement and readability of its project.

Terroir and viticultural environment of Petrus

The Petrus vineyard covers just over 11 hectares, situated on the highest point of the Pomerol plateau. The soils consist of heavy, deep clay, rich in iron oxides, resting on a particular subsoil capable of retaining water and ensuring a regular water supply to the vine, even during the driest summers.

This unique clay terroir favours a slow and complete maturation of Merlot, giving rise to wines of incomparable density and depth. The absence of gravel, characteristic of the Médoc, clearly distinguishes Petrus from other great Bordeaux wines and explains its singular expression, focused on texture, depth and length.

Production philosophy and style of Petrus wines

The grape variety composition is almost exclusively Merlot, with a marginal presence of Cabernet Franc depending on the vintage. Yields are deliberately low and selection in the vineyard particularly rigorous. Each plot is harvested at perfect maturity, with constant attention paid to the balance between richness, freshness and aromatic precision.

Vinifications are conducted with precision, without seeking excessive extraction. Ageing in new barrels accompanies the wine in its refinement without ever masking the expression of the fruit or the terroir. The style of Petrus is characterised by a velvety texture, remarkable concentration and aromatic depth evolving from ripe black fruits to complex notes of truffle, cocoa and spices over time.

Ageing potential and critical recognition

The wines of Petrus are among the greatest cellaring wines in the world. In major vintages, they evolve harmoniously over several decades, often reaching their peak after twenty to thirty years, or even longer. Their evolution reveals an exceptional aromatic complexity, supported by a powerful yet perfectly integrated structure.

International critical recognition has been constant for several decades, underlining the singularity of Petrus among the great wines of Bordeaux and its ability to establish itself outside any official classification.

Perspective within the Pomerol appellation

Within Pomerol, Petrus occupies a completely singular position. It is nevertheless part of an exceptional qualitative environment, alongside other emblematic estates of the appellation such as Château Le Pin, recognised for its confidential approach, Château Lafleur, appreciated for its rigour and longevity, Château Latour À Pomerol, and Château Vieux Chateau Certan, renowned for its balance and finesse. Through its unique terroir and inimitable style, Petrus contributes fully to Pomerol's worldwide reputation as a terroir for expressing Merlot at its highest level.

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